Movies - TV
M. Night Shyamalan Wanted To Make Signs After A Random Trip To Denny's
By JEFF KELLY
M. Night Shyamalan was at a Denny’s, reflecting upon his state of mind when making 2000’s "Unbreakable," which had been met with mixed responses. As he observed the other patrons and the unmistakable gloom in the air, he came up with the idea to write his 2002 movie, "Signs."
In 2020, he told The Ringer: "I think my somberness at the time of 'Unbreakable' came off in the film. If you see it, it's a very burdened movie." As he watched those around him at Denny's, it occurred to him that he could uplift his audiences rather than contribute to their gloom.
He explained to The Ringer: "I was saying to myself: I can make movies that are burdened, and that's honest for me. But I was looking at those people in the Denny's, and I knew they were coming to my movies, and I wanted to make them feel better."
As a result, "Signs" is lighter and humorous, with an insightful and hopeful ending. The script came easily to Shyamalan as he gave his characters the small quirks of his family and friends, while only writing when he was in a good mood, which overall made his scary movie an equally inspiring one.